Captain's Comments - Bournemouth

2 February 2016

Before each home game, Eagles skipper Mile Jedinak takes us inside the dressing room and gives an insight into what he's been up to ahead of matchday in his programme notes. Here he speaks ahead of tonight's game against Bournemouth.

In our last league encounter against Tottenham Hotspur it was once again a case of a good performance not yielding the points we would have liked.

It was disappointing not to win or even get anything out of the game, but saying that we played against a really good team who turned up on the day, caused us a few issues and scored some wonderful goals. Even though we got in front we weren’t able to keep them out for long enough and it’s unfortunate that we didn’t come away with anything.

When you look at the chances we created and positions we got into we had some really good opportunities, but they defended well and their goalkeeper made some great saves and when he didn’t he was helped out by the crossbar. We just couldn’t get that all-important second goal.

I tried to influence the game when I came on and get my personality onto the pitch. You try and make an impact wherever you can, whether that’s defensively, organisationally or trying to help the team keep their shape, but also start attacks and we did almost get something from our setpieces but it wasn’t to be.

Since then we’ve reflected on things as a group, but once you get back to training there’s another game that you have to focus on so it’s just about moving on to the next task and trying to right the wrongs, and get ourselves back to where we want to be - winning football games.

As a squad we have a strong work ethic which we’ve maintained throughout so it’s just a case of turning our form around. We’d like to think we can go on a run in the near future but you can’t think too far ahead - it’s about putting all your efforts into the next game and then you go on to the next one.

Looking ahead to Bournemouth tonight, we played them not so long ago and they gave us a really good test and it’s going to be no different this evening. They’re a high energy team and look to force you into mistakes when they press the ball, and then on the flip side they keep it really well and are very

possession orientated.

But there’s nothing new in terms of what we don’t know of Bournemouth, so we’re going to have to make sure we’re ready for the challenge because they’re on a good run with not too many losses and that needs to be recognised. We’ll need to stamp our authority on the game and if we can do that hopefully we can get that much needed win.

It’s been well documented that we’ve made a new signing this week, and having Emmanuel join the team is fantastic. Anyone coming into the club at this time of year gives the group a lift, but it’s great to have someone of his calibre join our ranks.

He trained with us for the first time last Wednesday and all the boys made him feel welcome. Hopefully we’ll see the best of him in a Palace shirt on the pitch and he can help us push on for the rest of the season by netting some valuable goals along the way.

Don't forget the full 88 page matchday programme will be available around the stadium on the day of the match, priced just £3.50, or can be download to your iPad or Android device for just £1.49.